System, method, and apparatus for regulating flow rate in an espresso machine

ABSTRACT

Embodiments are directed towards regulating flow rate in an espresso machine, during a multi-phase brewing process which includes a pre-brew and an extraction phase. During the pre-brew phase, coffee grounds are slowly pre-wetted and/or out-gassed with a first volume of water delivered at a first flow rate. During the extraction phase, a second volume of water is delivered, at a second flow rate, to extract espresso, where the second volume is delivered at a generally greater pressure than the first volume. The second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate. The flow rates, volumes, and pressures are regulated by the espresso machine, which includes a flow rate regulation assembly that comprises first and second flow paths and first and second valves. Baristas may vary the flow rate, volume, and pressure of water throughout the brewing process by opening, closing, or otherwise adjusting at least one of the valves.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This patent application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 14/015823 entitled SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR REGULATINGFLOW RATE IN AN ESPRESSO MACHINE, filed on Aug. 30, 2013, the contentsof which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to regulating a flow rate, andmore particularly, but not exclusively, to regulating a variable flowrate of pressurized water in a pump driven espresso machine, during anespresso brewing process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Espresso is a concentrated coffee beverage brewed by forcing heatedpressurized water through ground coffee beans. By forcing heatedpressurized water through ground coffee beans, the beverage producedduring an espresso brewing process absorbs more of the flavor producingcomponents, such as the oils and various solids found in the beans. Ascompared to coffee beverages produced by other brewing methods, such asdrip brewing, an espresso brewing process results in a thicker beveragewith a creamy texture and a concentrated and complex taste profile.Also, because the water is under pressure, the coffee grounds used forespresso may be ground finer than the coffee grounds used for otherbrewing processes. This results in greater surface area of coffeegrounds for which the pressurized water can come into contact with,absorbing more of the flavor producing chemicals from within thegrounds. Furthermore, for an espresso brewing process, the grounds maybe tamped to provide a greater stacking efficiency of the grounds, whichpromotes the water's penetration of the grounds, resulting in stillgreater flavor extraction.

Because of its relatively high concentration, as compared to othercoffee beverages, espresso may be served in a small portion referred toas a shot, measuring approximately 1 U.S. fluid ounce. Espresso may alsobe served in integer multiples of a shot, such as a double shot or atriple shot. Espresso is typically prepared using a specialized coffeemachine, referred to as an espresso machine. Brewing a shot of espressomay be referred to as pulling a shot of espresso because some espressomachines require a user of the machine, or a barista, to pull a springloaded lever that is attached to a piston, where pressure created by the25315 - 2 - LO WE GRAHAM JONES piston forces the water through thecoffee grounds. Although the construction of espresso machines may vary,the machines are often loosely categorized by the drive mechanism usedto produce the required pressure. One popular method used to produce thepressure is to employ a motor driven pump. Machines that employ such apump are often collectively referred to as pump-driven, or simply pumpespresso machines.

Espresso is a popular beverage worldwide. In addition to servingespresso as a shot, espresso may be used as a base for other popularcoffee beverages, such as cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, andamericanos. Some preparations of espresso based beverages may use steamto heat and/or froth milk. Many espresso machines are able to supply theheat and pressure required to brew espresso. In addition, some machinesmay supply the steam that is used in the preparation of various espressobased beverages. Thus, it is with respect to these and otherconsiderations that the present invention has been made

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, a system is configured and arranged foradjusting a brewing fluid flow rate while brewing a beverage from theflowing fluid. The system includes an input aperture, an outputaperture, a first fluid-flow path, a brew tank, and a first valve. Thebrewing fluid flow rate is an output fluid flow rate out of the outputaperture. The first fluid-flow path is in fluid communication with theinput aperture and the output aperture. The pump is configured andarranged to pump fluid from the input aperture, through the firstfluid-flow path, and out of the output aperture. The brew tank isconfigured and arranged for heating fluid flowing in the input apertureand out the output aperture. The first valve is configured and arrangedto adjust a first fluid flow rate through the first fluid-flow path. Ina preferred embodiment, the brewing fluid flow rate includes at leastthe first fluid flow rate through the first fluid-flow path.

In some embodiments, the system includes a second fluid-flow path and asecond valve. The second fluid-flow path is in fluid communication withthe input aperture and the output aperture. The pump is furtherconfigured and arranged to pump fluid through the second fluid-flowpath. The second valve is configured and arranged to adjust a secondfluid flow rate through the second fluid-flow path while brewing thebeverage. In these 3 embodiments, the brewing fluid flow rate includesat least the first fluid flow rate through the first fluid-flow path andthe second fluid flow rate through the second fluid-flow path.

The first valve may be positioned intermediate the pump and the brewtank. The first valve may be positioned intermediate the brew tank andthe output aperture. In at least one embodiment, system includes a brewmedium housing and a giggleur. The brew medium housing is configured andarranged to house a brewing medium and to receive the fluid flowing outof the output aperture at the brewing fluid flow rate. The giggleur ispositioned intermediate the brew tank and the brew medium housing.

The first valve may be positioned intermediate the brew tank and thegiggleur. The first valve may be positioned intermediate the giggleurand the brew medium housing. In at least one embodiment, the first valveis a needle valve. In other embodiments, the first valve is anelectro-mechanical valve. The first valve is further configured andarranged to receive a signal while brewing the beverage. In response tothe received signal, the first valve at least partially opens toincrease the first fluid flow rate through the first fluid-flow path

In some embodiments, a method for brewing a beverage employs a beveragebrewing machine. The method includes adjusting a brew flow rate of fluidwithin the machine to a first flow rate and pumping a first volume offluid through an output aperture of the machine at the first flow rate.Pumping the first volume provides at least a portion of the first volumeof fluid to a brewing medium to pre-wet the brewing medium. The methodincludes adjusting the brew flow rate of the fluid to a second flowrate. The second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate. Themethod further includes, pumping a second volume of the fluid throughthe output aperture at the second flow rate and extracting at least aportion of the delivered second volume of fluid through the pre-wettedbrewing medium to produce the brewed beverage. Pumping a second volumeof the fluid provides at least a portion of the second volume of fluidto the pre-wetted brewing medium.

In a preferred embodiment, adjusting the brew flow rate to the secondflow rate includes at least partially opening a valve positioned in afluid-flow path of the machine. When the first volume of fluid is pumpedthrough the output aperture, a valve positioned in a fluid-flow path ofthe machine is at least partially restricting a fluid-flow path of themachine. An average fluid pressure associated with the portion of thesecond volume of fluid that is provided to the pre-wetted brewing mediumis greater than a corresponding average fluid pressure associated withthe portion of the first volume of fluid that is provided to the brewingmedium to pre-wet the brewing medium.

Adjusting the brew flow rate to the first flow rate may includeproviding a first flow path for the first volume of fluid to flowthrough. Adjusting the brew flow rate to the second flow rate mayinclude providing the first flow path and a second flow path for thesecond volume of fluid to flow through. In at least one embodiment,adjusting the brew flow rate to the first flow rate includes providing aflow path for the first volume of fluid to flow through and adjustingthe brew flow rate to the second flow rate includes increasing a crosssection of the flow path for the second volume of fluid to flow through.

In some embodiments, an espresso machine is enabled to adjust a brewflow rate of water during a brewing process for a coffee beverage. Themachine includes a brew tank that heats water, a pump that providespressurized water to the brew tank, a coffee ground housing that housescoffee grounds, an output aperture, and a brew flow rate regulationsystem. The output aperture provides the coffee ground housing withpressurized and heated water from the brew tank. The brew flow rateregulation system adjusts the brew flow rate of water during the brewingprocess for the coffee beverage. The brew flow rate regulation assemblyincludes a first flow path in fluid communication with the pump and theoutput aperture.

The brew flow rate regulation system is enabled to at least partiallyopen a first valve positioned in the first flow path during the brewingprocess such that the brew flow rate is increased when the first valveis at least partially opened. In various embodiments, the brew flow rateregulation system is enabled to increase the brew flow rate after avolume of fluid has been provided to the coffee ground housing. The brewflow rate regulation system may adjust the brew flow rate by activelyregulating a flow through a second flow path in fluid communication withthe pump and the output aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred and alternative examples of the present invention aredescribed in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a pump-drivenespresso machine that regulates at least a brewing flow rate of heatedpressurized water and during an espresso brewing process, according tothe invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of a pump-drivenespresso machine that includes a brew flow rate regulating assembly thatenables regulating a flow rate of water during at least a portion of anespresso brewing process, according to the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates schematically one embodiment of a brew flow rateregulation assembly that includes two flow paths, according to theinvention.

FIG. 4 illustrates schematically another embodiment of a brew flow rateregulation assembly that includes three flow paths, according to theinvention.

FIG. 5 illustrates schematically one embodiment of a pump-drivenespresso machine that includes brew flow rate regulating assembly thatenables regulating a flow rate of water during an espresso brewingprocess, according to the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates schematically one embodiment of a brew flow rateregulation assembly, including a needle valve and a solenoid valve,according to the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a logical flow diagram showing one embodiment of anespresso brewing process that includes regulating a brew flow rate withan espresso machine, according to the invention.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates example pressure profiles resultingfrom an espresso brewing process, according to the invention.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates another embodiment of a pump-drivenespresso machine that is enabled to regulate a flow rate of water duringan espresso brewing process, according to the invention.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates another embodiment of a pump-drivenespresso machine that is enabled to regulate a flow rate of water duringan espresso brewing process, according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The flavor profile of an espresso shot is dependent upon many factorsassociated with the espresso machine, the coffee grounds, and thebrewing process used to produce the shot. Such factors include thecoarseness of the ground coffee beans, the temperature, pressure, andvolume of water forced through the grounds, as well as the time forwhich the water is in contact with the grounds and the distribution ofwater over the grounds. Slowly and fully pre-wetting the grounds, priorto forcing the heated pressurized water through the grounds, may greatlyincrease the quality and complexity of the taste profile of the shot.Coffee beans used to make espresso may contain carbon dioxide and othergasses which may affect the taste profile of the espresso shot. Some ofthese gasses may be acquired by the beans during a roasting process.Whole coffee beans are roasted prior to grinding the beans and brewingespresso and preparing other coffee drinks with the ground beans. Theroasting process, which involves heating the beans, is required toproduce some of the characteristic flavors associated with coffee.During the roasting process, carbon dioxide may be formed within thecell structure of the coffee beans.

Slowly and fully pre-wetting the coffee grounds with water, prior tobrewing espresso, may allow for the release of the carbon dioxide fromthe ground coffee beans. When at least a portion of the carbon dioxideis released, or out-gassed, from the ground coffee beans, the baristamay grind the beans significantly finer than is otherwise possible. Manyindividuals experience a greater and more complex taste profile of anespresso shot if the coffee grounds have been fully pre-wetted prior tothe full pressure brewing process as there is an increasing of thesurface area of the finer ground coffee and more of the coffee oils arethen extracted, increasing mouth-feel and decreasing bitterness of theespresso.

As herein described, a system, method, and apparatus for brewingespresso includes at least two phases: a pre-brew phase and anextraction phase. Although discussed in the context of brewing espresso,it shall be understood that the system, method, and apparatus havegreater applications that just brewing espresso, and can be applied tothe preparation of other substances and/or beverages such as teas,mattes, other coffee based drinks, and the like. Although water is usedthroughout as an example for a liquid for which to brew with, otherprecursors may be used within the system, method, and apparatusdisclosed herein. Other precursors may include any suitable liquidand/or gas. Further, coffee beams are herein used as an example brewingmedium, however it will be understood that other substances including,but not limited to other ground organic and/or inorganic matter, such astea leaves and the like, may be used as the brewing medium.

In some embodiments, during the pre-brew phase, the grounds may be fullypre-wetted, or slowly exposed to heated pressurized water, resulting inan out-gassing reaction and releasing at least a portion of theundesired gasses from the grounds. In at least one embodiment, after thepre-brew phase is complete or otherwise terminated, the espresso brewingprocess may transition to the extraction phase.

During the extraction phase, heated pressurized water may be forced, orextracted, through the pre-wetted and out-gassed grounds, resulting inan espresso shot with a greater and more complex taste profile. In atleast one embodiment, the pressurized water may be delivered to thecoffee grounds during the pre-brew phase at a brew flow rate that isless than the brew flow rate that the heated pressurized water isdelivered to the coffee grounds during the extraction phase.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a pump-drivenespresso machine 100 that regulates at least a brewing flow rate ofheated pressurized water during an espresso brewing process, accordingto the invention. In FIG. 1, espresso machine 100 is shown having steamwand 102, wherein espresso machine 100 may deliver pressurized steamthrough at least one steam aperture (not shown) disposed on a distal endof steam wand 102. In some of the various embodiments, at least aportion of the distal end of steam wand 102, including the one or moresteam apertures, may be submerged in a volume of dairy milk, or otherbeverage such as soy, rice, or almond milk, wherein the volume of milkmay be housed by a steaming cup (not shown). Steam delivered to thevolume of dairy or non-dairy milk through the one or more steamapertures may produce steamed, frothed, and/or heated milk, used to makean espresso based beverage, such as a latte or cappuccino. In some ofthe various embodiments, the position of the steam wand 102 may berotatably adjustable.

In at least one embodiment, a flow rate of steam through steam wand 102and the one or more steam apertures may be controlled by steam handle104. In some of the various embodiments, the flow rate of steam throughthe at least one steam aperture may vary between a maximum flow of steamand no steam. In at least one embodiment, the flow rate of steam maydepend upon the position of steam handle 104. In at least oneembodiment, a user of espresso machine 100, or barista, may be enabledto rotate the position of steam handle 104 to control the flow rate ofsteam through steam wand 102 and the at least one steam aperture.

In some embodiments, espresso machine 100 may include brew cap assembly106. In at least one embodiment, the heated pressurized water isdelivered to coffee grounds through brew cap assembly 106. Brew capassembly 106 may include at least one giggleur (not shown). A giggleurmay include at least one of an aperture, orifice, or valve from whichpressurized water is forced through and expelled out of. A giggleur maybe configured and arranged to deliver a volume of water to the coffeegrounds in a stream or in a spray, similar to a nozzle assembly.

Portafilter assembly 110 may be rotatably coupable to an underside ofbrew cap assembly 106. In at least one of the various embodiments, thebarista may couple portafilter assembly 110 to the underside of brew capassembly 106 by at least exerting a rotational force on portafilterhandle 112.

In at least one embodiment, portafilter assembly 110 may house a coffeeground basket (not shown). In some embodiments, coffee ground basket maybe a basket filter that houses coffee grounds. Accordingly, in at leastone embodiment, brew cap assembly 106 may deliver heated pressurizedwater, through at least the giggleur (not shown), to coffee groundshoused in the coffee ground basket included in portafilter assembly 110and coupled to brew cap assembly 106. In some embodiments, the coffeeground basket may permit the flow of at least a portion of the waterdelivered by brew cap assembly 106, but restricts the flow of the coffeegrounds.

In some of the various embodiments, heated pressurized water may flowfrom brew cap 106 into portafilter assembly 110 and, due to at least thepressure, at least a portion of the heated pressurized water may beforced or extracted through the coffee grounds housed within coffeeground basket contained within portafilter assembly 110. Espresso may beextracted through the basket filter and flow out of portafilter assembly110 through at least one portafilter aperture (not shown) disposed on anunderside of portafilter assembly 110. The produced espresso may bedeposited in an espresso shot glass (not shown) disposed on drip tray114.

Some embodiments of espresso machine 100 may include brew pressure gauge118, which may give an indication, or reading, of the pressure of theheated pressurized water at least one point in at least one brew flowline (not shown) included in espresso machine 100. In some embodiments,brew pressure gauge 118 may indicate the pressure within portafilterassembly 110 and between the giggleur and the coffee grounds. In atleast one embodiment, brew pressure gauge 118 may be an analog gauge. Insome embodiments, brew pressure gauge 118 may be a digital gauge.Espresso machine 100 may include water supply 116, which supplies waterto espresso machine 100. The water from water supply 116 may be heatedand pressurized by espresso machine 100 and used to produce espressoand/or steam. In some embodiments, water supply 116 may include a waterfilter.

In at least one of the various embodiments, espresso machine 100 mayinclude brew handle 108. Brew handle 108 may be employed to control anespresso brewing process. In at least one of the various embodiments,the espresso brewing process may include at least two phases: a pre-brewphase and an extraction phase. The two phases may be distinct and/orindependent phases. The two phases may be temporally-ordered phases,with the pre-brew phase occurring prior to the extraction phase.

In at least one embodiment, brew handle 108 may be used to initiate theespresso brewing process. In some of the various embodiments, brewhandle 108 may be used to initiate the pre-brew phase of the brewingprocess. In some of the various embodiments, brew handle 108 may be usedto transition the espresso brewing process from the pre-brew phase tothe extraction phase. In at least one of the various embodiments, brewhandle 108 may be used to terminate the espresso brewing process,including at least terminating the extraction phase.

In at least one of the various embodiments, brew handle 108 may beemployed to control and/or adjust a brew flow rate during the espressobrewing process. In some embodiments, the brew flow rate may refer tothe flow rate of heated pressurized water through espresso machine 100.In various embodiments, the brew flow rate may refer to the rate thatheated pressurized water is being delivered to the coffee grounds byespresso machine 100 and used in the espresso brewing process. In atleast one embodiment, brew handle 108 may be employed to toggle ortransition between at least three brew flow rate settings, including anoff setting (or zero-flow setting), a first brew flow rate setting, anda second brew flow rate setting. In at least one of the variousembodiments, the first brew flow rate setting may be associated with thepre-brew phase. In at least one of the various embodiments, the secondbrew flow rate setting may be associated with the extraction phase. Inat least one embodiment, the off setting may be associated with aduration phase. In some embodiments, brew handle 108 may be rotabablytransitioned between the at least three settings. In at least oneembodiment, the rotated position of brew handle 108 may varycontinuously.

In some embodiments, each setting of brew handle 108 may enable adifferent brew flow rate. In at least one embodiment, the off setting,or zero-flow setting, of brew handle 108 may adjust the brew flow rateso that no water is being delivered to the coffee grounds. Accordingly,brew handle 108 may be positioned in the off setting when espressomachine 100 is not currently brewing espresso. In at least oneembodiment, when brew handle 108 is positioned in the first brew flowrate setting, the brew flow rate may be regulated, adjusted, orotherwise controlled so that espresso machine 100 may deliver a volumeof water to the coffee grounds at a brew flow rate equal to a first brewflow rate.

In at least one embodiment, when brew handle 108 is positioned in thesecond brew flow rate setting, the brew flow rate may be regulated,adjusted, or otherwise controlled so that espresso machine 100 maydeliver another volume of water to the coffee grounds at a brew flowrate equal to a second brew flow rate. In some of the variousembodiments, the first brew flow rate may be less than or equal to thesecond brew flow rate.

The first brew flow rate may be associated with the pre-brew phase ofthe espresso brewing process. The second brew flow rate may beassociated with the extraction phase of the espresso brewing process. Inat least some embodiments, the brew flow rate may be regulated,adjusted, or otherwise controlled by at least employing a brew flow rateregulating assembly (not shown) included in espresso machine 100. Insome of the various embodiments, transitioning brew handle 108 betweenthe settings may vary a pressure within portafilter assembly 110.

Espresso machine 100 may include a processor or processor device (notshown). In some embodiments, the processor device may at least controlat least a portion of the espresso brewing process. In some embodiments,the processor device may adjust or control the flow rate during theespresso brewing process. In at least one embodiment, the processordevice may control or adjust at least one valve included in espressomachine 100. In some embodiments, espresso machine 100 may include oneor more flow meters (not shown). The flow meter may enable a measurementof the flow rate during the espresso brewing process. The flow meter mayenable a measurement of a volume of water flowing during at least aportion of the espresso brewing process.

In at least one embodiment, brew handle 108 may be a “start” switch or abinary switch. In such embodiments, the flow rate is automaticallycontrolled upon the start of a brewing sequence by depressing, rotating,or otherwise activating the “start”-style brew handle 108. At least oneof the flow meters is employed to determine, in real time, flow ratesand/or flow volumes during the various stages of the brew sequence.Electronics, such as the processor device, monitor the volume of waterat each flow rate by signals generated at the flow meters. Theelectronics also automatically transition between the flow rates basedon predetermined and programmed volumes of water.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of pump-drivenespresso machine 200 that includes brew flow rate regulating assembly236 that may enable regulating a flow rate of water during at least aportion of an espresso brewing process. In various embodiments, espressomachine 200 may include power supply 222. Power supply 222 may provideat least a portion of the electrical power required to operate variouscomponents and/or assemblies of espresso machine 200, such as brewheating source 224, steam heating source 228, controls for brew flowrate assembly 208, and pump 226. In some embodiments, power supply 222may provide at least electrical power to at least one of brew flow rateregulating assembly 236, steam flow rate regulating assembly 238, andcontrols for steam flow rate regulating assembly 238. In the context ofFIG. 2, dashed directional lines are used to illustrate at leastelectrical coupling and/or electrical communication of the components.The electrical coupling may include the ability to distribute electricalpower and/or electrical signals that may enable the controlling oroperation of the various components. Also in the context of FIG. 2,directional solid lines are used to illustrate at least the fluid and/orpressure communication of the components.

In some embodiments, espresso machine 200 may include water supply 216.Water supply 216 may supply water to pump 226. In some embodiments, pump226 may pump at least a portion of the water supplied by water supply216 to brew tank 230, wherein the pumped water may be heated,pressurized, and used in the brewing of espresso. In some embodiments,pump 226 may pump water to steam tank 234, where the pumped water may beused to produce steam used in the preparation of some espresso baseddrinks. In some embodiments, water supply 216 may include at least awater filter. In at least one of the various embodiments, brew tank 230and steam tank 234 may be supplied water from separate and/orindependent water supplies and/or separate pumps. In at least oneembodiment, brew tank 230 and steam tank 234 may be supplied water fromthe same water supply and/or the same pump.

In some embodiments, pump 226 may provide at least a portion of thepressure required to pressurize water stored in brew tank 230. In someembodiments, a plurality of pumps may be included in espresso machine200. In at least one embodiment, at least one pump may be dedicated topressurizing water stored in brew tank 230.

In at least one embodiment, espresso machine 200 may include brewheating source 224. Brew heating source 224 may provide at least aportion of the heat energy required to heat water supplied by watersupply 216. At least a portion of the water heated by brew heatingsource 224 may be stored within brew tank 230. In at least oneembodiment, brew heating source 224 may be disposed in brew tank 230. Insome of the various embodiments, brew heating source 224 may include aresistive element, such as a resistive coil or other type of heatingelement.

Some embodiments of espresso machine 200 may include steam heatingsource 228. Steam heating source 228 may provide at least a portion ofthe heat energy required to produce steam within steam tank 234. In atleast one embodiment, steam heating source 228 may be disposed withinsteam tank 234. In some of the various embodiments, steam heating source228 may include a resistive element, such as a resistive coil or othertype of heating element.

In at least some embodiments, brew tank 230 may store heated andpressurized water. During at least a portion of an espresso brewingprocess, at least a portion of the heated pressurized water storedwithin brew tank 230 may flow downstream from brew tank 230 to coffeegrounds housed in coffee ground housing 220 and then to espresso output240. In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the heatedpressurized water may flow through a downstream giggleur 225 beforereaching coffee grounds housing 220. In some embodiments, giggleur 225may include at least an aperture or an orifice. In some embodiments,giggleur 225 may include a nozzle and/or valve. In some embodiments, adiameter of the aperture or orifice included in giggleur 225 may be witha range, such as 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm. In at least some embodiments, thediameter of the aperture or orifice may be approximately 0.7 mm. In atleast one embodiment, giggleur 225 may be characterized by at least afeature size of the included aperture or orifice.

In at least one of the various embodiments, coffee ground housing 220may be included in a portafilter assembly, such as portafilter assembly110 of FIG. 1. In at least some embodiments, steam tank 234 may storepressurized steam. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the steamstored within steam tank 234 may flow from steam tank 234 to steamoutput 202.

In at least one embodiment, espresso machine 200 may include brewpressure gauge 218. Brew pressure gauge 218 may give an indication ofpressure at at least one point between pump 226 and coffee groundhousing 220. In at least one embodiment, brew pressure gauge may give anindication of pressure downstream of giggleur 225 and upstream of coffeegrounds.

In at least one embodiment, espresso machine 200 may include steampressure gauge 232. Steam pressure gauge 232 may give an indication ofthe pressure at at least one point between pump 226 and steam output202. In at least one embodiment, steam pressure gauge 232 may be ananalog gauge. In some embodiments, steam pressure gauge 232 may be adigital gauge.

In at least one embodiment, espresso machine 200 may include brew flowrate regulating assembly 236. In some embodiments, brew flow rateregulating assembly 236 may be upstream of brew tank 236. During atleast a portion of the espresso brewing process, water may flow frompump 226 and through brew flow rate regulating assembly 236 beforereaching brew tank 230. In at least one alternative embodiment, brewflow rate regulating assembly 236 may be downstream of brew tank 235,but upstream of giggleur 225.

In at least one of the various embodiments, brew flow rate regulatingassembly 236 may regulate, or limit, the flow rate of heated pressurizedwater arriving at coffee ground housing 220, during at least a portionof the espresso brewing process. In at least one of the variousembodiments, giggleur 225 may regulate, or limit, the flow rate ofheated pressurized water arriving at coffee ground housing 220, duringat least a portion of the espresso brewing process.

At coffee ground housing 220, the flow rate regulated water may beexposed to coffee grounds housed within. In some embodiments, at least aportion of the flow regulated water delivered to coffee grounds maypre-wet the coffee grounds. At least a portion of the flow regulatedwater delivered to coffee grounds, may be extracted through thepre-wetted coffee grounds to produce espresso. In some embodiments, atleast a portion of the extracted espresso may exit espresso machine 200through espresso output 240. In at least one embodiment, espresso output240 may include at least a portafilter aperture, such as the portafilteraperture discussed in the context of FIG. 1. The produced espresso mayflow from espresso machine 100 via the portafilter aperture.

In at least one embodiment, brew flow rate regulating assembly 236 mayadjustably regulate the flow rate of heated pressurized water flowing tocoffee ground housing 220. Various embodiments of brew flow rateregulating assembly 236 are described in greater detail with regard toFIGS. 3-6. However, briefly stated, in at least one embodiment, brewflow rate regulating assembly 236 may include at least one flow path,wherein a flow rate of water, which flows into and out of brew flow rateregulating assembly 236, may be regulated, adjusted, or otherwisecontrolled. In at least one embodiment, regulating, adjusting, orotherwise controlling the flow rate of water into and out of brew flowrate regulating assembly 236 may regulate, adjust, or otherwise controlthe brew flow rate of water delivered to the coffee grounds during anespresso brewing process. In at least one embodiment, regulating,adjusting, or otherwise controlling the flow rate of water into and outof brew flow rate regulating assembly 236 may regulate, adjust, orotherwise control the pressure of the water delivered to the coffeegrounds during an espresso brewing process.

In some embodiments, brew flow rate regulating assembly 236 may includea plurality of flow paths, where a flow rate of pressurized water, foreach individual flow path in the plurality of flow paths, may beregulated, adjusted, or otherwise controlled. In some embodiments, theplurality of flow paths may include independent flow paths. In at leastone of the various embodiments, at least a portion of the plurality offlow paths may include parallel flow paths. In some embodiments, theindependent flow paths may vary in both transverse and longitudinal sizeand/or shape. In some embodiments, the independent flow paths may varyin transverse diameter or transverse cross-sectional area. In at leastone embodiment, a flow rate through brew flow rate regulating assembly236 may include the sum of at least a portion of the individual flowrates of each of the plurality of flow paths.

In some embodiments, brew flow rate regulating assembly 236 may includeat least one flow regulating valve. In some embodiments, brew flow rateregulating assembly 236 may include a plurality of flow regulatingvalves. In at least one embodiment, a flow regulating valve may be anadjustable flow regulating valve. In some embodiments, an adjustablevalve may be opened and/or closed. In at least one embodiment, anadjustable valve may include an aperture, wherein the size of theaperture is adjustable. A flow regulating valve may be a needle valve. Amotor, such as a stepper motor may be employed to control the needlevalve in real time. The motor may be included in the brew flow rateregulating assembly 236. The flow rate is at least partially controlledby the motor opening and closing the needle valve. In some embodiments,a flow regulating valve may be a solenoid valve, such as a two way(2-way) solenoid valve or a three way (3-way) solenoid valve. In someembodiments, a flow regulating valve may be a jet valve.

In some embodiments, the flow rate through at least one of the flowpaths may be regulated by the at least one flow regulating valve. Insome embodiments, the flow rate through brew flow rate regulatingassembly 236 may be regulated by at least opening and/or closing the atleast one flow regulating valve. In some embodiments, the flow ratethrough brew flow rate regulating assembly 236 may be regulated by atleast adjusting an aperture size for at the least one flow regulatingvalve.

In at least one embodiment, controls for brew flow rate regulatingassembly 208 may be employed to control, adjust, or limit the flow ratethrough brew flow rate assembly 236. In at least one embodiment, thebrew flow rate may be adjusted during the espresso brewing process bymanipulating the controls for the brew flow rate regulating assembly208. In at least one embodiment, the controls for the brew flow rateregulating assembly 208, may include a brew handle, such as brew handle108 of FIG. 1. Controls 208 may include controls for the motor thatopens and close the needle valve.

In at least one embodiment, espresso machine 200 may include steam flowrate regulating assembly 238. During at least a portion of a steamingprocess, pressurized steam may flow from steam tank 234 and throughsteam flow rate regulating assembly 238 before being expelled fromespresso machine 200 at steam output 202. In at least one embodiment,steam flow rate regulating assembly 238 may include a steam valve thatcontrols the steam flowing through steam output 202.

In at least one embodiment, steam output 202 may include the at least asteam wand, such as steam wand 102 of FIG. 1. In some of the variousembodiments, the steam flow regulating assembly may be controlled bycontrols for steam flow regulating assembly 204. In at least one of thevarious embodiments, controls for steam flow regulating assembly 204 mayinclude steam handle, such as steam handle 104 shown in FIG. 1. In someembodiments, controls for steam flow regulating assembly may includeelectronics that measure and/or control the pressure in the steam tank.

In addition to a pre-brew phase and an extraction phase, at least someembodiments of the espresso brewing process may include a durationphase. In at least some embodiments, the duration phase may occurbetween the pre-brew phase and the extraction phase. A duration phasemay allow for a more complete out-gassing reaction. In at least oneembodiment, the brew flow rate may be adjusted to a third brew flow rateduring the duration phase. In at least some embodiments, the third brewflow rate may be zero during the duration phase of the espresso brewingprocess. In at least some embodiments, the third brew flow rate duringthe duration phase may be non-zero. In at least one embodiment, thethird brew flow rate may be less than or equal to the first brew flowrate. In some embodiments, the third brew flow rate may be greater thanthe first brew flow rate.

In some of the various embodiments, the brew flow rate of heatedpressurized water delivered to the coffee grounds may be regulatedduring both the pre-brew phase and the extraction phase. In at least oneof the various embodiments, the flow rate of water during the pre-brewphase may be less than the flow rate of water during the extractionphase. In at least one of the various embodiments, the flow rate ofwater during the pre-brew phase and the flow rate of water during theextraction phase may be regulated by employing at least brew flow rateregulation assembly 236 included in espresso machine 200. In at leastone of the various embodiments, a user of the espresso machine mayadjust the flow rate of water delivered to the coffee grounds byoperating controls for brew flow rate assembly 208 included in espressomachine 200.

In at least one embodiment, a pressure that the water is delivered tothe coffee grounds may vary during the espresso brewing process. In atleast one of the various embodiments, qualitatively, the pressure of thewater delivered to the coffee grounds during the pre-brew phase isgenerally less than the pressure during the extraction phase. Thegenerally higher pressure of the water during the extraction phase mayforce the water through the coffee grounds. In some embodiments, thelower pressure associated with the pre-brew phase allows the water topre-wet and/or saturate the grounds SLOWLY, but is not enough pressureto force the water through the grounds to produce properly extractedespresso.

In at least one of the various embodiments, the pressure of the waterdelivered to the coffee grounds, during the espresso brewing process,may be controlled and/or varied by at least regulating the brew flowrate of water through the espresso machine. In at least one of thevarious embodiments, the pressure of the water delivered to the coffeegrounds, during the espresso brewing process, may be controlled and/orvaried by controlling and/or varying a pump included in the espressomachine. In at least one embodiment, the pressure and/or volume may be afunction of time during the espresso brewing process. The exact natureand shape of the function over the course of the brewing process maygreatly affect the taste of the brewed espresso.

In at least one embodiment, the user may control the brewing process,including at least initiating the pre-brew phase, transitioning to theextraction phase, and ending the brew process by operating at leastespresso machine controls. In some embodiments, the user may alsocontrol a duration phase, where the brew flow rate is regulated during aduration of time or water volume between the pre-brew phase and theextraction phase. In at least one embodiment, the brew flow rate may beturned off during the duration phase. In some of the variousembodiments, the espresso machine may include a brew handle. The usermay control, adjust, or otherwise vary the brew flow rate throughout thebrewing process by manipulating the brew handle. In at least oneembodiment, the user may control, adjust, or otherwise vary the pressureof the water delivered to the coffee grounds during the espresso brewingprocess by at least controlling, adjusting, or otherwise varying thebrew flow rate. In some embodiments, the user may be enabled tocontinuously adjust or vary the brew flow rate during the espressobrewing process. In other embodiments, the user may be enabled toadjust, vary, or transition the brew flow rate between discrete brewflow rates, such as a first brew flow rate, a second brew flow rate, andthe like. In some embodiments, the user may be enabled to continuouslyadjust or vary the pressure of water delivered to the coffee groundsduring the espresso brewing process.

FIG. 3 illustrates schematically one embodiment of brew flow rateregulation assembly 300, which includes two flow paths. In some of thevarious embodiments, brew flow rate regulation assembly 300 may bedisposed downstream of pump 226 but upstream of brew tank 230, both ofFIG. 2. In at least one embodiment, brew flow rate regulation assembly300 may include brew regulation assembly input 342. In some embodiments,the pump may pump water into brew flow rate regulation assembly 300through brew regulation assembly input 342. In FIG. 3, water enteringbrew flow rate regulation assembly 300 is represented by the arrow shownpointing into brew regulation assembly input 342.

In at least one embodiment, brew flow rate regulation assembly 300 mayinclude brew regulation assembly output 344. In some embodiments, thepressurized water that enters brew flow rate regulation assembly 300through brew regulation assembly input 342, may exit brew flow rateregulation assembly 300 through brew regulation assembly output 344. InFIG. 3, water exiting brew flow rate regulation assembly 300 isrepresented by the arrow shown pointing out of brew regulation assemblyoutput 344. In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of thepressurized water that exits brew flow rate regulation assembly 300through brew flow rate regulation assembly output 344 may flow to a brewtank, such as brew tank 230 of FIG. 2, after exiting brew flow rateregulation assembly 300. At least a portion of the pressurized waterthat enters the brew tank may flow to the coffee grounds in order topre-wet the coffee grounds, during at least a portion of an espressobrewing process. At least a portion of the pressurized water that flowsto the coffee grounds may be extracted through the coffee grounds toproduce espresso, during at least another portion of the espressobrewing process.

In some of the various embodiments, brew flow rate regulation assembly300 may include a plurality of flow paths, including at least first flowpath 350 and second flow path 352. In some embodiments, brew flow rateregulation assembly 300 may include additional flow paths, such as atleast a third flow path. For instance, the third flow path 454 shown inFIG. 4. During at least a portion of the espresso brewing process,pressurized water may flow through at least one of first flow path 350and second flow path 352. In some embodiments, during at least a portionof the espresso brewing process, pressurized water may flowsimultaneously through both of first flow path 350 and second flow path352. In some embodiments, during at least a portion of the espressobrewing process, pressurized water may flow through first flow path 350,but not through second flow path 352. In some embodiments, during atleast a portion of the espresso brewing process, pressurized water mayflow through second flow path 352, but not through first flow path 350.

In at least one embodiment, first flow path 350 may be defined by atleast one of a first transverse cross-sectional area or a firsttransverse equivalent cross-sectional area. In some embodiments, atransverse cross-sectional area of first flow path 350 may be uniform.In other embodiments, the transverse cross-sectional area of first flowpath 350 may be non-uniform. In some embodiments, the first transversecross-sectional area may be defined by at least one of a first diameter,first radius, or other first linear dimension. In at least oneembodiment, the first transverse cross-sectional area may be defined byat least two linear dimensions, such as a first width and a firstheight. For at least some embodiments, the flow of pressurized waterthrough first flow path 350 may be limited by the first transversecross-sectional area.

In at least one embodiment, water may flow into first flow path 350through at least brew regulation assembly input 342. In someembodiments, water that flows through first flow path 350 may flow outof brew flow rate regulation assembly 300 through brew regulationassembly output 344. In at least one embodiment, the flow rate of waterentering into first flow path 350 may be regulated, or limited, by atleast first valve 346. In at least one embodiment, first valve 346 maybe disposed within first flow path 350 or near an input to first flowpath 350.

In some embodiments, first valve 346 may be an adjustable valve. In atleast one embodiment, first valve 346 may be a controllable valve, wherefirst valve 346 is at least partially controlled or adjusted by at leastcontrols for brew flow rate regulating assembly 308, where controls forbrew flow regulating assembly 308 may include controls for brew flowrate regulating assembly 236 of FIG. 2. In at least one embodiment,controls for brew flow rate regulating assembly 308 may include a brewhandle, such as brew handle 108 of FIG. 1. In at least one embodiment,controls for brew flow rate regulating assembly 308 may include anadjustment knob.

In some embodiments, control signal line for first valve 356 may carry afirst control signal from controls for brew flow rate regulatingassembly 308 to first valve 356. The first control signal may adjust,control, or otherwise operate first valve 346. The first control signalmay be a mechanical signal, electrical signal, optical signal, or thelike. In at least one embodiment, controlling or operating first valve346 may include enabling the opening or closing of first valve 346. Anopen first valve 346 may enable water to flow through first flow path350. In FIG. 3, water flowing into first flow path 350 through firstvalve 346 is represented by the arrow placed in first flow path 350.When closed, first valve 346 may prohibit, or block, water from flowingthrough first flow path 350.

In some embodiments, first valve 346 may include at least a first valveaperture (not shown), wherein an aperture size of the first valveaperture may be adjusted to regulate the flow of water through firstflow path 350. In some embodiments, the size of the first valve aperturemay be adjusted by employing at least controls for brew flow rateregulating assembly 308. In some embodiments, the size of the firstvalve aperture may be adjusted by employing other controls, such as arotatable mechanism, such as a knob adjustment, mechanically connectedto, or included in, first valve 346. In at least one embodiment, firstvalve 346 may be a needle valve, wherein the aperture size of the firstvalve 346 may be adjusted by adjusting the placement of the needle, orplunger. In at least one embodiment, first valve 346 may be a solenoidvalve, such as a 2-way solenoid valve or a 3-way solenoid valve. In atleast one embodiment, first valve 346 may be a jet valve or a nozzle.

In at least one embodiment, second flow path 352 may be defined by atleast a second transverse cross-sectional area or a second equivalenttransverse cross-sectional area. In some embodiments, a transversecross-sectional area of second flow path 352 may be uniform.

In other embodiments, the transverse cross-sectional area of second flowpath 352 may be non-uniform. In some embodiments, the second averagetransverse cross-sectional area may be defined by at least one of asecond diameter, second radius, or other second linear dimension. In atleast one embodiment, the second transverse cross-sectional area may bedefined by at least two linear dimensions, such as a second width and asecond height. For at least some embodiments, the flow of pressurizedwater through second flow path 352 may be limited by the secondtransverse cross-sectional area. In at least one embodiment, thetransverse cross-sectional area of first flow path 350 may be less thanor equal to the transverse cross-sectional area of second flow path 352.In at least one embodiment, the transverse cross-sectional area of firstflow path 350 may be greater than the transverse cross-sectional area ofsecond flow path 352.

In at least one embodiment, water may flow into second flow path 352through at least brew regulation assembly input 342. In someembodiments, water that flows through second flow path 352 may flow outof brew flow rate regulation assembly 300 through brew regulationassembly output 344. In at least one embodiment, water flowing intosecond flow path 352 may be regulated, or limited, by at least secondvalve 348. In at least one embodiment, second valve 348 may be disposedwithin second flow path 352 or near an input to second flow path 352.

In some embodiments, second valve 348 may be an adjustable valve. In atleast one embodiment, second valve 348 may be a controllable valve,where second valve 348 is at least partially controlled or adjusted byat least controls for brew flow rate regulating assembly 308. In someembodiments, control signal line for second valve 358 may carry a secondcontrol signal from controls for brew flow rate regulating assembly 308to second valve 358. The second control signal may adjust, control, orotherwise operate second valve 348. The second control signal may be amechanical signal, electrical signal, optical signal, or the like. In atleast one embodiment, controlling or operating second valve 348 mayinclude enabling the opening or closing of second valve 348. An opensecond valve 348 may enable water to flow through second flow path 352.In FIG. 3, water flowing into second flow path 352 through second valve348 is represented by the arrow placed in second flow path 352. Whenclosed, second valve 348 may prohibit water from flowing through secondflow path 352.

In some embodiments, second valve 348 may include at least a secondvalve aperture (not shown), wherein an aperture size of the first valveaperture may be adjusted to regulate the flow of water through secondflow path 352. In some embodiments, the size of the second valveaperture may be adjusted by employing at least controls for brew flowrate regulating assembly. In some embodiments, the size of the secondvalve aperture may be adjusted by employing other controls, such as arotatable mechanism mechanically connected to, or included, in thevalve. In at least one embodiment, second valve 348 may be a needlevalve, wherein the aperture size of second valve 348 may be adjusted byadjusting the placement of the needle. In at least one embodiment,second valve 348 may be a solenoid valve, such as a 2-way solenoid valveor a 3-way solenoid valve. In some embodiments, second valve 348 may bea jet valve or a nozzle.

In at least one of the various embodiments, first flow path 350 andsecond flow path may be parallel flow paths. In at least one of thevarious embodiments, first valve 346 and second valve 348 may beadjusted or operated independently. In at least one of the variousembodiments, first valve 346 and second valve 348 may be controlledindependently. In at least one of the various embodiments, the firstaperture size of first valve 346 and the second aperture size of secondvalve 348 may be adjusted and/or controlled independently. In at leastone of the various embodiments, first valve 346 may be opened and closedindependently of second valve 348. In at least one of the variousembodiments, second valve 348 may be opened and closed independently offirst valve 346.

In some embodiments, a first flow rate through first flow path 350 maybe adjusted by at least one of opening first valve 346, closing firstvalve 346, or adjusting first aperture size of first valve 346. In someembodiments, a second flow rate through second flow path 352 may beadjusted by at least one of opening second valve 348, closing secondvalve 348, or adjusting second aperture size of second valve 348. In atleast one embodiment, the flow rate through brew flow rate regulationassembly 300 may be equal to the sum of flow rates through the pluralityof flow paths, including at least the first flow rate through first flowpath 350 and the second flow rate through second flow path 352.

For instance, if the magnitude of flow path flow rates are representedby the size of the various arrows in FIG. 3, then the size of the arrowin brew regulation assembly input 342 may equal the size of the arrow inbrew regulation assembly output 344, and the size of both arrows mayrepresent the flow rate through brew flow rate regulation assembly 300.Furthermore, the sum of the size of the arrow in first flow path 350 andthe size of the arrow in second flow path 352 may represent the flowrate through brew flow rate regulation assembly 300 and may be equal tothe size of the arrow in brew regulation assembly input 342 and the sizeof the arrow in brew regulation assembly output 344. Accordingly, insome embodiments, the flow rate through brew flow regulation assembly300 may be adjusted by at least one of opening first valve 346, closingfirst valve 346, adjusting first aperture size of first valve 346,opening second valve 348, closing second valve 348, or adjusting secondaperture size of second valve 348.

In at least one embodiment, during at least one portion of the espressobrewing process, the first flow path flow rate through first flow path350 may be less than or equal to the second flow path flow rate throughsecond flow path 352. During at least one portion of the espressobrewing process, the first flow path flow rate through first flow path350 may be greater than the second flow path flow rate through secondflow path 352. In at least one portion of an espresso brewing process,first valve may 346 may be open. In at least one portion of an espressobrewing process, first valve may 346 may be closed, prohibiting the flowof water through at least first flow path 350. In at least one portionof an espresso brewing process, second valve may 348 may be open. In atleast one portion of an espresso brewing process, second valve 348 maybe closed, prohibiting the flow of water through at least second flowpath 352.

For instance, in at least one embodiment, second flow path 352 may serveas a by-pass and second valve 348 may be open for only a portion of theespresso brewing process, such as the extraction phase. In at least oneembodiment, second valve may be closed during at least a pre-brew phaseof the espresso brewing process.

In some embodiments, regulating the brew flow rate may be enabled with abrew flow rate regulating assembly with at least three flow path paths.FIG. 4 illustrates schematically another embodiment of a brew flow rateregulation assembly 400 that includes three flow paths. Thefunctionality and operability of brew flow rate regulation assembly 400is analogous to brew flow rate regulation assembly 300 of FIG. 3.However, brew flow rate regulation assembly 400 may regulate the brewflow rate by employing at least three flow paths: first flow path 450,second flow path 452, and third flow path 454.

Furthermore, brew flow rate regulation assembly 400 may regulate thebrew flow rate by employing at least three counterpart valves: firstvalve 446, second valve 448, and third valve 460. In some embodiments,regulating the brew flow rate during an espresso brewing process may beaccomplished by at least employing a number of flow paths greater thanthree and a number of flow regulating valves greater than or less thanthree. Any desired level of granularity of adjustable flow rate valuesmay be accomplished by the appropriate choice of a number of flow paths,a transverse cross-sectional area for each of the flow paths,arrangement and configuration of a plurality of adjustable valves, andan aperture size for each of the plurality of the adjustable valves.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of a pump-drivenespresso machine 500 that includes brew flow rate regulating assembly536 that may enable regulating a flow rate of water during at least aportion of an espresso brewing process, according to the invention. Theupstream indicator, the downstream indicator, and the direction thearrow, between the upstream and downstream indicators, define theupstream/downstream convention used herein. In the context of FIG. 5,dashed directional lines are used to illustrate at least electricalcoupling and/or electrical communication of the components. Theelectrical coupling may include the ability to distribute electricalpower and/or electrical signals that may enable the controlling oroperation of the various components. Also in the context of FIG. 5,directional solid lines are used to illustrate at least the fluid and/orpressure communication of the components.

In at least one embodiment, during the espresso brewing process,pressurized water may flow through espresso machine 500 at a flow ratedenoted by f In some embodiments, f may vary during the espresso brewingprocess. In some embodiments, during the espresso brewing process, thewater flowing through espresso machine 500 may be delivered to coffeegrounds stored in coffee grounds housing 520. During at least a portionof the espresso brewing process, such as a pre-brew phase, the waterdelivered to the coffee grounds may pre-wet the coffee grounds and flowrate f may be equal to a first flow rate. In some embodiments, the flowrate may vary during the pre-brew phase. In some embodiments, f may be afunction of time or flow volume during at least the pre-brew phase. Inat least one embodiment, the average flow rate during the pre-brew phasemay be equal to the first flow rate.

During at least another portion of the espresso brewing process, such asthe extraction phase, the water delivered to the pre-wet coffee groundsmay be extracted through the coffee grounds to produce espresso. Theproduced espresso may flow out of espresso machine 500 through espressooutput 540. In some embodiments, flow rate f during the extraction phasemay be equal to a second flow rate. In some embodiments, the flow ratemay vary during the extraction phase. In some embodiments, f may be afunction of time or flow volume during at least the extraction phase. Inat least one embodiment, the average flow rate during the extractionphase may be equal to the second flow rate. In some embodiments, thesecond flow rate may be equal to or greater than the first flow rate.

In some embodiments, pressurized water flowing through espresso machinemay be stored in brew tank 530 for a duration of time. In at least oneembodiment, while stored in brew tank 530, pressurized water may beheated. In at least one of the various embodiments, the pressurizedheated water may flow through giggleur 525 before being delivered tocoffee grounds in coffee ground housing 520. In some embodiments,giggleur 525 may include a flow limiting valve, such as a jet valve, ora nozzle. In some embodiments, giggleur 225 may include an aperture ororifice. In some embodiments, giggleur 225 may be characterized by atleast a diameter, d₀. In some embodiments, d₀ may be approximately 0.7mm.

According to at least one embodiment, water supply 516 may supply waterto pump 526. In some embodiments, pump 526 may pump at least a portionof the supplied water to brew flow rate regulating assembly 536. In someembodiments, due to at least pump 526, the water pumped into brew flowrate regulating assembly 536 may be pressurized at an initial pressure,P₀. In at least one embodiment, P₀ may vary between 1 and 15 bars. Insome embodiments, P₀ may be approximately 9 bars. In at least someembodiments, P₀ may vary throughout the espresso brewing process. Forinstance, P₀ during the pre-brew phase may be less than P₀ during theextraction phase. In some embodiments, P₀ may be a function of time orflow volume and vary continuously throughout the espresso brewingprocess.

In some embodiments, flow rate regulating assembly 536 may include atleast first flow path 550 and second flow path 552. In some embodiments,flow through first flow path 550 may be regulated by at least firstvalve 546. In some embodiments, first valve 546 may be a needle valve.In some embodiments, a diameter, or other defining linear dimension, ofneedle valve 550 may be adjusted to a first diameter, such as d₁, priorto the espresso brewing process. In some embodiment, d₁ may be less thangiggleur 525 diameter d₀. In at least one embodiment, needle valve 546may be adjusted so that d₁ is approximately 0.1 mm. In at least oneembodiment, needle valve 546 may be adjusted so that d₁ is within arange, including 0.01 mm to 0.7 mm.

In some embodiments, flow through second flow path 552 may be regulatedby at least second valve 548. In some embodiments, second valve 548 maybe a solenoid valve. In some embodiments, solenoid valve 548 may beclosed during at least a portion of the espresso brewing process, suchas the pre-brew phase. In at least one embodiment, solenoid valve 548may be open during at least another portion of the espresso brewingprocess, such as the extraction phase. In some embodiments, controllingthe opening and closing of solenoid valve 548 during the espressobrewing process may be enabled by at least controls for brew flow rateassembly 508.

When solenoid valve 548 is open, water may flow through second flow path552. When solenoid valve 548 is closed, water may be blocked by at leasta portion of solenoid valve 548, or a plunger included in solenoid valve548, and prohibited from flowing through second flow path 552. In someembodiments, when solenoid valve 548 is open, second flow path may beapproximated as a pipe with second transverse diameter, such as d₂, withregards to fluid dynamics. In some embodiments, d₂ may be greater thand₁. In some embodiment, d₂ may be greater than giggleur 525 diameter d₀.In at least one embodiment, d₂ may be less than giggleur 525 diameterd₀.

The flow rate through first flow path 550 may be denoted by f₁, and mayvary throughout the espresso brewing process. During the espressobrewing process, f₁ may depend upon at least one of pressure provided bypump 526 (P₀), transverse diameter of first flow path 550 (d₁),adjustment of needle valve 546, transverse diameter of second flow path552 (d₂), and whether solenoid valve 548 is open or closed. In someembodiments, fi may depend upon at least d₀, the diameter of giggleur525.

The flow rate through second flow path 552 may be denoted by f₂, and mayvary throughout the espresso brewing process. During the espressobrewing process, f₂ may depend upon at least one of pressure provided bypump 526 (P₀), transverse diameter of first flow path 550 (d₁),adjustment of needle valve 546, transverse diameter of second flow path552 (d₂), and whether solenoid valve 548 is open or closed. In someembodiments, f₂ may dependent upon at least d₀, the diameter of giggleur525. In at least one embodiment, f₂ may be equal to zero during at leasta portion of the espresso brewing process. In at least one embodiment,f₂ may be equal to zero during at least a portion of the pre-brew phase.

In at least one embodiment, the flow rate of water into brew flow rateregulating assembly 536 may equal the flow rate out of brew flow rateregulating assembly 536, and may be equal to f In some embodiments, fmay depend upon at least f₁ and f₂. In some embodiments, f may dependupon at least a sum off and f₂. During an espresso brewing process, fmay depend upon at least one of pressure provided by pump 526 (P₀),transverse diameter of first flow path 550 (d₁), adjustment of needlevalve 546, transverse diameter of second flow path 552 (d₂), and whethersolenoid valve 548 is open or closed. In some embodiments, f may dependupon at least d₀, the transverse diameter of giggleur 525.

In some embodiments, espresso machine 500 may include brew pressuregauge 518. Brew pressure gauge 518 may indicate the pressure, P, betweengiggleur 525 and coffee grounds housing 520. In some embodiments, P mayvary during the espresso brewing process. During an espresso brewingprocess, P may depend upon f In at least one embodiment, P may dependupon at least one of pressure provided by pump 526 (P₀), transversediameter of first flow path 550 (d₁), adjustment of needle valve 546,transverse diameter of second flow path 552 (d₂), and whether solenoidvalve 548 is open or closed. In some embodiments, P may depend upon atleast d₀, the diameter of giggleur 525. In some embodiments, f maydepend upon at least d₀, the diameter of giggleur 525. In at least oneembodiment, P may at least approximate the pressure if the water beingdelivered to the coffee grounds.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of brew flow rate regulation assembly600, which includes brew regulation assembly input 642 and brewregulation assembly output 644. The arrows in FIG. 6 indicate thedirection and magnitude of pressurized water flowing into and out ofbrew flow rate regulation assembly 600. In at least one embodiment,water flowing into brew regulation assembly input 642 may flow throughat least a first flow path (not shown) in assembly block 670. Valveassembly 646 may regulate the flow rate of water through the first flowpath in assembly block 670. In some embodiments, valve assembly 646 maybe a needle valve assembly. In some embodiments, the flow rate of waterthrough the first flow path may be regulated by at least adjustingneedle valve adjustment knob 672. In some embodiments, needle valveadjustment knob 672 may be adjusted so that first flow path has anequivalent transverse diameter of d₁. In at least one embodiment, needlevalve adjustment knob 672 may be adjusted prior to an espresso brewingprocess.

In at least one embodiment, assembly block 670 may include a second flowpath (not shown). In some embodiments, the second flow path may have anequivalent transverse diameter of d₂. In some embodiments, d₂ may begreater than d₁. In some embodiments, the second flow path may be aby-pass of the first flow path. In some embodiments, another valve mayregulate the flow rate through the second flow path. In at least oneembodiment, the other valve may be an electro-mechanical valve, such asa solenoid valve. When the solenoid valve is open, at least a portion ofthe water flowing into brew regulation assembly input 642 may flowthrough the second flow path. When the solenoid valve is closed, watermay be prevented from flowing through the second flow path.

Solenoid valve may include solenoid housing 674, which may house asolenoid employed to provide the mechanical force required to open andclose the solenoid valve. Solenoid valve may include at least onesolenoid valve electrical input 676, which may provide the electricalpower required to energize the solenoid housed in solenoid housing 674.In some embodiments, solenoid valve may include a plurality of solenoidvalve electrical inputs 676, one of which may include a line to ground.Another electrical input may carry an electrical signal to trigger theopening and closing of the solenoid valve.

In at least one of the various embodiments, the first flow path may besubstantially perpendicular to the second flow path. In someembodiments, the needle valve regulating flow though the first flow pathmay be substantially perpendicular to the solenoid valve regulating flowrate through the second flow path. In at least one of the variousembodiments, the first flow path may be substantially parallel to thesecond flow path. In some embodiments, the needle valve may besubstantially parallel to the solenoid valve. In at least oneembodiment, a first plunger included in the needle valve may besubstantially perpendicular to a second plunger included in the solenoidvalve.

FIG. 7 illustrates a logical flow diagram generally showing oneembodiment of an espresso brewing process 700 that includes regulating abrew flow rate with an espresso machine, such as espresso machine 200 ofFIG. 2. In at least one embodiment, espresso brewing process 700includes at least two phases: a pre-brew phase and an extraction phase.In some embodiments, the pre-brew phase occurs prior to the extractionphase. During the pre-brew phase, coffee grounds that are used to brewespresso may be pre-wetted with heated water. In at least oneembodiment, during the pre-brew phase, a first volume of water may bedelivered to the coffee grounds, by the espresso machine, where a brewflow rate may be equal to a first brew flow rate. In at least oneembodiment, the first volume of water delivered to the coffee groundsduring the pre-brew phase may be significant enough to saturate thecoffee grounds. In some of the various embodiments, the first volume ofwater delivered to the coffee grounds during the pre-brew phase, mayinduce an out-gassing reaction within the coffee grounds.

In some of the various embodiments, after the coffee grounds have beenpre-wetted and/or out gassed, espresso brewing process 700 maytransition to the extraction phase. In at least one of the variousembodiments, during the extraction phase, the espresso machine maydeliver a second volume of water to the pre-wetted coffee grounds at abrew flow rate equal to a second brew flow rate. The second volume ofwater delivered to the coffee grounds during the extraction phase, andat the second brew flow rate, may be extracted through the pre-wettedcoffee grounds to produce brewed espresso from the out-gassed coffeegrounds. In at least one of the various embodiments, the second brewflow rate may be greater than or equal to the first brew flow rate.

In at least one embodiment, the first volume of water delivered to thecoffee grounds may be heated water. In at least one embodiment, thefirst volume of water delivered to the coffee grounds may be pressurizedwater. In at least one embodiment, the second volume of water deliveredto the coffee grounds may be heated water. In at least one embodiment,the second volume of water delivered to the coffee grounds may bepressurized water.

In some embodiments, the pressure (P) between a giggleur, such asgiggleur 525 of FIG. 5, and the coffee grounds housed in coffee groundhousing, such as coffee ground housing 520 of FIG. 5, may vary duringespresso brewing process 700. In some embodiments, P may be varied by atleast varying the flow rate of water delivered to the espresso grounds.In some embodiments, P may be varied by at least varying the pressure P₀delivered by a pump, such as pump 526 of FIG. 5. In some embodiments, Pmay be a function of time, such as P(t), during espresso brewing process700. In at least one of the various embodiments, P may be a function ofthe volume of water that flows to the coffee grounds. For instance, afirst volume delivered at a first flow rate may brew at an average firstpressure. After delivering the first volume, the flow rate is adjustedto a second flow rate; the average pressure may transition to a secondaverage pressure. During the extraction phase, the flow rate may beadjusted to a third flow rate, during the remainder of the extraction,which may result in a third average pressure during the remainder of theextraction. In at least some of the various embodiments, controlling andthe timing of the adjustment of flow rate, volume of water delivered,pressure, pump speed, and the like may be manually controlled by abarista and/or automatically adjusted by processor device included inthe espresso machine. In some embodiments, a measurement of the volumeof water delivered to the coffee grounds may be enabled by at least aflow meter. In at least one of the various embodiments, a measurement ofthe flow rate may be enabled by at least the flow meter. In at least oneembodiment, the first volume of water may be within a first window, suchas 0-7 milliliters (ml). In at least one embodiment, the second volumeof water may be within a second window, such as 7-15 ml. In anotherembodiment, the second volume of water may be within a volume rangebetween 7 and 45 ml.

FIG. 8 illustrates three examples of P as a function of time, orpressure profiles, resulting from various embodiments of espressobrewing process 700. The examples of the pressure profiles are discussedin the context of espresso brewing process 700. By varying the natureand shape of the pressure profile resulting from espresso brewingprocess 700, one may vary the taste of extracted shot of espresso. Onemay vary at least the nature and/or shape of the pressure profile byregulating the brew flow rate during the espresso brew process 700. Insome embodiments, one may vary at least the nature and/or shape of thepressure profile by varying the flow rate, pressure, and total volume ofthe first volume of water delivered to the coffee grounds during theespresso brew process 700. In some embodiments, one may vary at leastthe nature and/or shape of the pressure profile by varying the flowrate, pressure, and total volume of the second volume of water deliveredto the coffee grounds during the espresso brew process 700.

Process 700 begins, after a start block, at block 702 where a brew flowrate is adjusted to a first brew flow rate. In at least one embodiment,the adjusted brew flow rate refers to the rate that the espresso machinedelivers heated pressurized water to coffee grounds that are used tobrew espresso. In at least one embodiment, the brew flow rate isadjusted by employing at least a brew flow rate regulating assembly,such as brew flow rate regulating assembly 536 of FIG. 5. In some of thevarious embodiments, the brew flow rate regulating assembly may becontrolled by controls for brew flow rate regulating assembly, such ascontrols for brew flow rate regulating assembly 508 of FIG. 5. In someembodiments, controls for brew flow rate regulating assembly may includeat least a brew handle, such as brew handle 108 of FIG. 1. In at leastone embodiment, a user of the espresso machine is enabled to adjust thebrew flow rate of the espresso machine by adjusting a position of thebrew handle. Various detection means may be employed to determine theuser adjusted position of the brew handle. Such detection means include,but are not limited to Hall sensors, rheostats, magnetic switches,optical switches, and the like.

In some of the various embodiments, the brew flow rate may be adjustedto the first brew flow rate by adjusting the position of the brew handleto a first position. In at least one embodiment, adjusting the brew flowrate to the first brew flow rate may include at least adjusting a firstvalve included in the brew flow rate regulating assembly. In at leastone embodiment, adjusting the brew flow rate to the first brew flow ratemay include at least adjusting a second valve included in the brew flowrate regulating assembly. In some embodiments, adjusting the brew flowrate to the first brew flow rate may include at least adjusting anothervalve included in the espresso machine. In at least one embodiment,adjusting the brew flow rate to the first brew flow rate may include atleast opening or closing the other valve included in the espressomachine. In at least one embodiment, adjusting a valve may include atleast one of opening the valve, closing the valve, or adjusting anaperture size on an aperture included in the valve.

In at least one embodiment, adjusting the brew flow rate to a first brewflow rate may include opening another valve, where the other valveenables water pressurized by a pump, such as pump 526 of FIG. 5, to flowinto the brew flow rate regulating assembly. In at least one embodiment,prior to block 702, the other valve may be in a closed position.

In some of the various embodiments, the first brew flow rate may belimited by at least a first needle valve, such as needle valve 546 ofFIG. 5, where the first needle valve was adjusted prior to block 702. Insome embodiments, the pre-adjusted first needle valve may be included inthe brew flow rate regulating assembly. In some embodiments, theadjusted first needle valve may be in an open position and adjusted to afirst aperture size. The first needle valve may permit the flow, butregulate the flow rate, of water through a first flow path in the brewflow rate regulation assembly, such as first flow path 550 of FIG. 5.

In some of the various embodiments, the first brew flow rate may belimited by at least an electro-mechanical valve, such as a solenoidvalve. In some embodiments, the solenoid valve, such as solenoid valve548 of FIG. 5, may be included in the brew flow rate regulatingassembly. In some of the embodiments, the solenoid valve may be in aclosed position at block 702. The closed solenoid valve may prohibit theflow of water through a second flow path in the brew flow rateregulation assembly, such as second flow path 552 in FIG. 5. In someembodiments, the first brew flow rate may be dependent on at least thesum a flow rate through the first flow path and the flow rate throughsecond flow path. In at least one embodiment, the first brew flow ratemay be equal to at least the sum of a flow rate through the first flowpath and another flow rate through the second flow path.

At block 704, the coffee grounds being used to brew espresso may bepre-wetted. The coffee grounds being used to brew espresso may beout-gassed grounds. In some embodiments, the coffee grounds may behoused within a coffee ground basket within a coffee ground housing,such as coffee ground housing 520 of FIG. 5. In at least one embodiment,the coffee ground housing may be included in a portafilter assembly,such as portafilter assembly 110 of FIG. 1. In at least one embodiment,the espresso machine delivers heated pressurized water to the coffeegrounds, at the first brew flow rate, in order to pre-wet and/or out-gasthe coffee grounds. In at least one embodiment, pre-wetting the coffeegrounds, prior to brewing espresso with the coffee grounds, at leastinduces an out-gassing reaction within the coffee grounds.

Pressure profile 802 of FIG. 8 illustrates one example of the pressure,P, as a function of time during espresso brewing process 700. Similarplots may be constructed for the flow volume as a function of timeduring the brewing process 700. The pre-brew phase lasts from t=0 toapproximately t=t₀. During this time, P may ramp up from zero toapproximately a pressure value of P₁. In some embodiments, prior toespresso brewing process 700, the first needle valve may be adjusted toprovide the first volume of water, where the first volume of water issufficient to saturate the coffee grounds within a pre-determined timeinterval, such as t₀. In at least one embodiment, t₀ may depend upon thecoarseness of the coffee grounds. In some embodiments, t₀ may varybetween 1 and 30 seconds or more. In some embodiments, t₀ may be longenough to allow the delivered water to saturate the coffee grounds.

In at least one embodiment, pressure P may be limited to a value of P₁,during the pre-brew phase, at least because the solenoid valve is closedduring the pre-brew phase and accordingly, water is not flowing throughthe second flow path. In at least one embodiment, pressure P may belimited to a value of P₁, during the pre-brew phase, at least because adiameter of the giggleur is greater than the diameter of the needlevalve within the brew flow rate regulation assembly. In at least oneembodiment, pressure value P₁ may not be great enough to force thedelivered water through the coffee grounds. In some embodiments, thechoice of t₀, P₁, the volume of the first volume of water delivers, andother brewing parameters may greatly affect the taste of the brewedespresso.

Pressure profile 804 and 806 show two other examples of pressure as afunction of time that may be achieved by some embodiments, by varyingthe flow rate, the volumes of the first volume and second volumes,and/or pressure provided by the pump during espresso brewing process700, and the durations for which at least the pre-brew phase and theextraction phase last. The shape of the pressure curve during thepre-brew phase may greatly affect the taste and texture of the brewedespresso. In both pressure profiles 804 and 806, the pre-brew phase ofespresso brewing process 700 lasts longer than t₀. Note, the transitionto the extraction phase may be signaled by at least a discontinuity inthe pressure as a function of time curve. In some embodiments, thetransition to the extraction phase may be signaled by at least anincrease in the first derivative of the pressure as a function of timecurve.

The heated pressurized water may be delivered, at the first brew flowrate, to the coffee grounds, until at decision block 706, it isdetermined that the coffee grounds have become saturated with thedelivered water. In some embodiments, an indication that the coffeegrounds have become saturated includes at least a portion of the firstvolume of water delivered at the first brew flow rate begins to flow outof an espresso output, such as espresso output 540 of FIG. 5. In someembodiments, the espresso machine may include a mirror to observe whenwater begins to flow out of the espresso output. In some embodiments,the espresso output may be an aperture in the portafilter assembly. Whenit has been determined that the coffee grounds have been saturated, orto otherwise terminate the pre-brew phase, process 700 may flow to block708. In at least one embodiment, the pre-brew phase may be associatedwith at least pre-wetting the coffee grounds at the first brew flowrate. In at least one embodiment, the pre-brew phase may be associatedwith at least one of the first brew flow rate. In some embodiments, thepre-brew phase may be terminated at block 706 and the process 700 mayproceed to block 708.

In alternative embodiments, the brew flow rate may be adjusted to athird flow rate before proceeding to block 708. In some of the variousembodiments, the brew flow rate may be adjusted to the third brew flowrate by adjusting the position of the brew handle to a third position.In at least one embodiment, the third position of the brew handle may bean off position. In some embodiments, the third flow rate may be equalto an off value. In such a case, the flow of water through the espressomachine may be halted and the brewing process may wait a duration beforeproceeding to block 708. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a durationmay occur after the pre-brew phase is terminated, but before the brewingprocess transitions to the extraction phase. During the duration, anout-gassing reaction may be occurring in the coffee grounds. After theduration, process 700 may proceed to block 708.

Pressure profile 804 illustrates a duration, after the pre-brew phase,but prior to the extraction phase. In at least embodiment, the slope, orfirst time derivative, of the pressure curve may approximate a valueclose to zero during a duration phase. The increase in the slope ofpressure profiles 802, 804, and 806 may signify a transition to theextraction phase.

At block 708, the brew flow rate may be adjusted to a second brew flowrate. In some of the various embodiments, the brew flow rate may beadjusted to the second brew flow rate by adjusting the position of thebrew handle to a second position. In some embodiments, the second brewflow rate may be greater than the first flow rate. In at least oneembodiment, adjusting the brew flow rate to the second brew flow ratemay include at least adjusting a first valve included in the brew flowrate regulating assembly. In at least one embodiment, adjusting the brewflow rate to the second brew flow rate may include at least adjusting asecond valve included in the brew flow rate regulating assembly. In someembodiments, adjusting the brew flow rate to the second brew flow ratemay include at least adjusting another valve included in the espressomachine.

In some of the various embodiments, the second brew flow rate may belimited by at least the first needle valve. In some of the variousembodiments, the second brew flow rate may be limited by at least thesolenoid valve. In some of the embodiments, the solenoid valve may be inan open position at block 708. In some embodiments, the solenoid valvemay be adjusted or transitioned from a closed position to an openposition at block 708. The open solenoid valve may allow for the flow ofwater through the second flow path in the brew flow rate regulationassembly. In some embodiments, the second brew flow rate may be at leastthe sum a flow rate through the first needle valve and the solenoidvalve.

In at least embodiment, increasing the flow rate from the first brewflow rate to the second brew flow rate may increase the pressure, P.Pressure profile 802 of FIG. 8 demonstrates, that at t₀, where espressobrewing process 700 transitions from the pre-brew phase to theextraction phase, the pressure increases from value of P₁ to anincreased value of P₂. In some embodiments, this transition may resemblea step function. In other embodiments, the transition in pressure may becontinuous and/or may occur more gradually. Pressure profiles 804 and806 also demonstrate a step function indicating where espresso brewprocess has transitioned to the extraction phase.

In at least one embodiment, the transition of pressure at t₀ may occurat least because the solenoid valve may have transitioned from a closedstate to an open state. In at least one embodiment, water may now flowthrough at least the second flow path. In some embodiments, the diameterof the giggleur may be less than the diameter of the second flow path.In some embodiments, the diameter of the giggleur may be less than thesum of the diameter of the second flow path and the diameter of thefirst needle valve. In some embodiments, P₁ may be less than P₀, thepressure supplied by the pump. In some embodiments, P₁ may beapproximately equal to P₀. In at least some embodiments, P₁ may be greatenough to force the water delivered to the espresso grounds through theespresso grounds to produce espresso.

At block 710, a second volume of heated pressurized water may bedelivered to the pre-wetted coffee grounds at the second brew flow rate.In at least one embodiment, the pre-wetted grounds may be saturatedgrounds. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second volume ofheated pressurized water delivered to the coffee grounds at block 710may be extracted through the coffee grounds to produce espresso. Theproduced espresso may flow out of the espresso machine through theespresso output. Extraction of espresso may continue, until it isdetermined that the extraction is complete at decision block 712. In atleast one embodiment, the extraction phase may be associated with atleast extracting the heated pressurized water through the pre-wettedcoffee grounds, where the second volume of water has been delivered tothe pre-wetted coffee grounds at the second brew flow rate. In at leastone embodiment, the extraction phase may be associated with at least oneof the second brew flow rate.

In some embodiments, the pressure profile may remain at an approximatelyconstant pressure during the extraction phase. For instance, pressureprofile 802 illustrates that the pressure remains constant at P₁pressure value during until the extraction phase is terminated at t₁.According, the extraction phase may last for a finite duration, such ast₁- t₀. In alternative embodiments, the pressure profile may vary duringthe extraction phase. For instance, both pressure profiles 804 and 806illustrate the pressure rolling off, or decreasing, before espressobrewing process 700 is terminated. In at least on embodiment, thisrolling off may be enabled by at least varying the second flow rateduring the extraction phase. In at least some embodiments, varying thepressure may be enabled by at least varying the pump supplied pressure,P₀. Some embodiments may vary a rotational speed of the pump duringespresso brewing process 700. The shape and duration of the extractionphase may greatly affect the taste of the produces espresso.

In some embodiments, the first volume of water delivered to the coffeegrounds, at the first flow rate, during the pre-brew phase may be lessthan or equal to the second volume of water delivered to the coffeegrounds, at the second flow rate, during the extraction phase. In atleast one alternative embodiment, the first volume of water delivered tothe coffee grounds, at the first flow rate, during the pre-brew phasemay be greater than the second volume of water delivered to the coffeegrounds, at the second flow rate, during the extraction phase.

At block 714, the brew flow rate may be adjusted to an off value, toterminate espresso brewing process 700 and so that water does not flowthrough the espresso machine, after the espresso shot has been brewed.In at least one embodiment, process 700 may transition to block 714 attime t₁. In some of the various embodiments, the brew flow rate may beadjusted to the off value by adjusting the position of the brew handleto a third position or to an off position. In at least one embodiment,adjusting the brew flow rate to the off value may include at leastadjusting a first valve included in the brew flow rate regulatingassembly. In at least one embodiment, adjusting the brew flow rate tothe off value may include at least adjusting a second valve included inthe brew flow rate regulating assembly. In some embodiments, adjustingthe brew flow rate to the off value may include at least adjustinganother valve included in the espresso machine.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a pump-driven espressomachine 900 that is enabled to regulate a flow rate of water during anespresso brewing process, according to the invention. Espresso machine900 includes water supply 916, pump 926, brew tank 930, giggleur 925,brew pressure gauge 918, brew medium housing 920, espresso output 940,and other components. Various components included in espresso machine900 may be included in a brew flow rate regulating system. For example,at least one of the first valve 946 or the second valve 948 may beincluded in a brew flow rate system. Espresso machine 900 includesvarious controls 908 for the brew flow rate system. At least some of thecomponents of the brew flow rate system may be integrated in anassembly, such as brew flow rate regulating assembly 536 of espressomachine 500 of FIG. 5, but need not be.

Espresso machine 900 may be similar to espresso machine 500 of FIG. 5 insome respects. However, in other respects, espresso machines 500 and 900differ. For instance, the relative configuration and positioning offirst valve 946 and second valve 948 of espresso machine 900 differsfrom the corresponding first valve 546 and second valve 548 of espressomachine 500. As with first path 550 and second path 552 of espressomachine 500, the first path 950 and the second path 952 of espressomachine 900 are parallel paths. However, the parallel structure of firstpath 950 and second path 952 can be positioned anywhere between pump 926and brew medium housing 920. Likewise, the first valve 946 and thesecond valve 948 can be positioned anywhere along the brew stream.

For instance, in espresso machine 500, the first flow path 550, thesecond flow path 552, the first valve 546, and the second valve 548 areall positioned between pump 526 and the brew tank 530. However, inespresso machine 900, the second flow path and the second valve 948 arepositioned between the brew tank 930 and the giggleur 925. Otherpositioning of either the first flow path 950, the second flow path 952,the first valve 946, and the second valve 948 are of course possible.Likewise, the brew flow rate regulating assembly 536 of espresso machine500 may be positioned anywhere along the brew stream between pump 526and coffee ground housing 520. Furthermore, for any of the embodimentsdescribed herein, it should be understood that the nomenclature may beinverted such that the terminology of first/second valves andfirst/second flow paths are interchangeable. In some embodiments, firstvalve 946 is absent from espresso machine 900, or always in a fully orpartially open position, such that the opening and closing of secondvalve 948 regulates the brew flow rate.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates another embodiment of a pump-drivenespresso machine 1000 that is enabled to regulate a flow rate of waterduring an espresso brewing process, according to the invention. Espressomachine 1000 includes similar components to espresso machine 500 of FIG.5 and espresso machine 900 of FIG. 9. For instance, espresso machine1000 includes a water supply 1016, a pump 1026, brew pressure gauge1018, controls for brew flow rate system 1006, giggleur 1025, and thelike.

However, espresso machine 1000 regulates the brew flow rate along afirst path 1050, by employing one or more valves, such as first valve1046 or second valve 1048. Thus, espresso machine 1000 regulates thebrew flow rate along a serial flow path configuration, rather than aparallel flow rate configuration. Accordingly, the first valve 1046 andthe second valve 1048 may be serial or parallel valves. Furthermore, ineither a serial or a parallel flow rate regulation configuration, onlyone of the valves is needed, but two or more valves may be employed toprovide greater control and accuracy of the regulation of the brew flowrate. In addition, in a parallel flow rate regulation configuration,more than two parallel flow paths may be employed. For instance, FIG. 4shows three parallel flow paths 450, 452, and 452. Of course, more thanthree parallel flow paths may be constructed in any of the embodimentsincluded herein.

The above specification, examples, and data provide a description of thecomposition, manufacture, and use of the invention. Since manyembodiments of the invention can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claimshereinafter appended.

1. A flow rate regulating system configured and arranged for adjusting abrewing fluid flow rate while brewing a beverage from the flowing fluid,the system comprising: an input aperture; an output aperture, whereinthe brewing fluid flow rate is an output fluid flow rate of the outputaperture; a first fluid-flow path that is in fluid communication withthe input aperture and the output aperture; a pump configured andarranged to pump fluid from the input aperture, through the firstfluid-flow path, and out of the output aperture; a brew tank configuredand arranged for heating fluid flowing in the input aperture and out theoutput aperture; and a first valve that is configured and arranged toadjust a first fluid flow rate through the first fluid-flow path,wherein, the brewing fluid flow rate includes at least the first fluidflow rate through the first fluid-flow path.
 2. The system of claim 1,further comprising: a second fluid-flow path that is in fluidcommunication with the input aperture and the output aperture, whereinthe pump is further configured and arranged to pump fluid through thesecond fluid-flow path; and a second valve that is configured andarranged to adjust a second fluid flow rate through the secondfluid-flow path while brewing the beverage, wherein, the brewing fluidflow rate includes at least the first fluid flow rate through the firstfluid-flow path and the second fluid flow rate through the secondfluid-flow path.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first valve ispositioned intermediate the pump and the brew tank.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the first valve is positioned intermediate the brewtank and the output aperture.
 5. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a brew medium housing that is configured and arranged tohouse a brewing medium and to receive the fluid flowing out of theoutput aperture at the brewing fluid flow rate; and a giggleurpositioned intermediate the brew tank and the brew medium housing. 6.The system of claim 5, wherein the first valve is positionedintermediate the brew tank and the giggleur.
 7. The system of claim 5,wherein the first valve is positioned intermediate the giggleur and thebrew medium housing.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first valveis a needle valve.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first valve isan electro-mechanical valve.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein thefirst valve is further configured and arranged to receive a signal whilebrewing the beverage, wherein in response to the received signal, thefirst valve at least partially opens to increase the first fluid flowrate through the first fluid-flow path.
 11. A method for brewing abeverage by employing a beverage brewing machine, the method comprising:adjusting a brew flow rate of fluid within the machine to a first flowrate; pumping a first volume of fluid through an output aperture of themachine at the first flow rate to provide at least a portion of thefirst volume of fluid to a brewing medium to pre-wet the brewing medium;adjusting the brew flow rate of the fluid to a second flow rate, whereinthe second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate; pumping asecond volume of the fluid through the output aperture at the secondflow rate to provide at least a portion of the second volume of fluid tothe pre-wetted brewing medium; and extracting at least a portion of thedelivered second volume of fluid through the pre-wetted brewing mediumto produce the brewed beverage.
 12. The method of claim 11, whereinadjusting the brew flow rate to the second flow rate includes at leastpartially opening a valve positioned in a fluid-flow path of themachine.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein when the first volume offluid is pumped through the output aperture, a valve positioned in afluid-flow path of the machine is at least partially restricting afluid-flow path of the machine.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein anaverage fluid pressure associated with the portion of the second volumeof fluid that is provided to the pre-wetted brewing medium is greaterthan a corresponding average fluid pressure associated with the portionof the first volume of fluid that is provided to the brewing medium topre-wet the brewing medium.
 15. The method of claim 11, whereinadjusting the brew flow rate to the first flow rate includes providing afirst flow path for the first volume of fluid to flow through andadjusting the brew flow rate to the second flow rate includes providingthe first flow path and a second flow path for the second volume offluid to flow through.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein adjusting thebrew flow rate to the first flow rate includes providing a flow path forthe first volume of fluid to flow through and adjusting the brew flowrate to the second flow rate includes increasing a cross section of theflow path for the second volume of fluid to flow through.
 17. Anespresso machine is enabled to adjust a brew flow rate of water during abrewing process for a coffee beverage, the machine comprising: a brewtank that heats water; a pump that provides pressurized water to thebrew tank; a coffee ground housing that houses coffee grounds; an outputaperture that provides the coffee ground housing with pressurized andheated water from the brew tank; and a brew flow rate regulation systemthat adjusts the brew flow rate of water during the brewing process forthe coffee beverage, wherein the brew flow rate regulation assemblyincludes a first flow path in fluid communication with the pump and theoutput aperture.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the brew flow rateregulation system is enabled to at least partially open a first valvepositioned in the first flow path during the brewing process such thatthe brew flow rate is increased when the first valve is at leastpartially opened.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the brew flow rateregulation system is enabled to increase the brew flow rate after avolume of fluid has been provided to the coffee ground housing.
 20. Thesystem of claim 17, wherein the brew flow rate regulation system adjuststhe brew flow rate by actively regulating a flow through a second flowpath in fluid communication with the pump and the output aperture.